Cheesesteaks

Preparation

1. Peppers and Onions

   Step 1

   Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onions and bell peppers and season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring often at first then only occasionally as vegetables soften, adjusting heat as needed and adding a splash or so of water if vegetables are browning too quickly, until golden brown and very tender, 25–30 minutes.

   Step 2

   Remove pot from heat, add vinegar, and give everything a good stir. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

   Step 3

   Do Ahead: Vegetables can be cooked 3 days ahead. Let cool, then cover and chill. Reheat before assembling sandwiches.

2. Steak and Assembly

   Step 4

   Place short ribs on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and freeze, uncovered, until firm around the edges but still yielding in the center, 45–60 minutes.

   Step 5

   Cut short ribs in half crosswise, then lengthwise into very thin slices. (It’s better to have thinner, less-regular slices than thick, even slices. Either way, don’t stress; whatever you do will be more than fine.) Divide meat into 8 portions (about 8 oz. each), using sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap as dividers.

   Step 6

   Slice bread in half lengthwise, keeping a long side intact. Heat a large griddle across 2 burners over medium—a flick of water should sizzle on contact. (Or use a large cast-iron skillet and cook 1 portion at a time.) Lightly coat griddle with oil. Place 2 portions of meat (about 1 lb.) on griddle; season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, pressing down and pulling slices apart using 2 metal spatulas, until halfway cooked through (you should still see some raw spots). Scoot meat into 2 oblong portions no more than 1" high and top with some onion–bell pepper mixture. Top with 2 slices American cheese and 2 slices provolone cheese per pile. Cook, undisturbed, until meat is browned and crisp underneath and cheese is melted, about 4 minutes. Transfer each portion to a roll; slice in half crosswise. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve topped as desired.

   Step 7

   Do Ahead: Meat can be sliced 1 day ahead (it will start to oxidize after that); cover tightly and chill, or freeze up to 1 week and thaw before cooking. Sandwiches can be made 20 minutes ahead; immediately wrap in parchment paper, then foil.